Mad Max

We live in an era when every day feels like the apocalypse. Everyone’s on edge worried about jobs, their homes, terrorism, etc. At a time like this, it’s great to know that The Onion is asking the hard questions.

Aside from pointing out the ridiculous of post-apocalyptic and zombiepocalyptic games, In the Know does skewer video games based on some stereotypes. I don’t mind that much though because it’s funny as hell.

Other things of note were the moveable cover and the drastically different settings. I also have to mention that Wayne Holden will not be the central character; instead, there are going to be three factions. But no matter what I do, I keep going back to that three person mech. Playing as one of those things will be a childhood dream come true. Go Voltron force.

2. In the meantime, we had two reviews this week. I wrote one here on Street Fighter IV. I’m completely and totally in love with this game. I love Street Fighter IV in the same way Pee Wee Herman loves fruit salad.

3. I was busy most of the week heading out to the events. Right now, it seems as if everyone is gearing up for GDC at the end of next month. But in the mean time, they’re showing off game after game.

I had a chance to check out Oregon Trail for the iPhone. This will be a game that tugs at your sense of nostalgia. It definitely brought me back to the days of playing with Apple IIe in the school computer lab. I’m definitely excited about finally finishing this game. Read our preview here.

Nevertheless, the change to a focus on moodlets and a living breathing town has me wanting to buy this. Check out The Sims 3 preview here.

4. Lastly, Sony had a big week. Apparently, the PlayStation Portable isn’t dead. In fact, it’s very much alive and kicking with some titles that you may have heard of.

Sony’s small screen will get its own version of LittleBigPlanet, Assassin’s Creed and MotorStorm. On top of that, it’s even getting its very own Rock Band. (I’m not sure how that’s going to work but anyway …) Check out the news here.

The other big news is the promotion of Kaz “Riiiiiiiiiidge Raaaaacer” Hirai. Business reporter Troy Wolverton has no idea how this has happened and he puzzles over this in his blog entry here.

The hot-and-heavy concert schedule might end with the summer months in some parts of the country _ but not in the Bay Area. So, get set for another sensational week of live music, and other types of artistic fun, by the Bay:

1, Carlos Santana
Some years back, my colleague Tony Hick and I came up with a list of the top 25 guitarists in Bay Area history. In retrospect, Iâ€™d make a few tweaks to that list, but I wouldnâ€™t change our pick of Santana for the top spot.
Details: 7 p.m., Oct. 11, Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, 7 p.m., Oct. 12, Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, $25-$75, 925-685-TIXS, 415-421-TIXS, 510-625-TIXS, www.livenation.com.